--- title: "TOEFL Essentials: a new, shorter English language proficiency test" description: ETS will begin offering a new version of the TOEFL in August 2021. The new TOEFL Essentials test will be about half the length and cost of the TOEFL iBT test. image: https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/student%20laptop%20computer%20at%20home.png --- [![arb-logo@2x](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/arb-logo@2x.png)](https://www.arborbridge.com/) - [Our Services](https://arborbridge.com/our-services/) - [Academic Support](http://arborbridge.com/academic-programs/) - [SAT](https://arborbridge.com/sat/) - [ACT](https://arborbridge.com/act/) - [Subject Tests](http://arborbridge.com/subject-test/) - [AP & IB](http://arborbridge.com/ap-ib/) - [ISEE & SSAT](http://arborbridge.com/isee-ssat/) - [GRE & GMAT](http://arborbridge.com/gmat-gre-programs/) - [TOEFL](https://www.arborbridge.com/toefl-prep/) - [About Us](https://arborbridge.com/about/) - [Library](https://testprep.arborbridge.com) - [Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/tutoring-pricing/) - [Academic Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/academic-pricing/) - [SAT Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/sat-pricing/) - [ACT Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/act-pricing/) - [Subject Test Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/subject-test-pricing/) - [AP & IB Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/ap-ib-pricing/) - [ISEE & SSAT Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/isee-ssat-pricing/) - [GRE & GMAT Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/gre-gmat-pricing/) - [TOEFL Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/toefl-pricing/) - [Contact Us](https://arborbridge.com/contact-us/) # TOEFL Essentials: a new, shorter English language proficiency test ![Erin Ohsie-Frauenhofer](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/Erin%20OF.jpeg) by [Erin Ohsie-Frauenhofer](https://blog.arborbridge.com/author/erin-ohsie-frauenhofer) March 10, 2021 ![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/student%20laptop%20computer%20at%20home.png) In August 2021, ETS will begin offering a new version of the [TOEFL](https://blog.arborbridge.com/test-prep-glossary-25-terms-you-should-know-college-admissions) to students who are seeking to demonstrate their English language proficiency. The new TOEFL Essentials test will be about half the length and cost of the TOEFL iBT test. Here's what test-takers need to know. #### **TOEFL iBT vs. TOEFL Essentials: what's different?** While ETS says the TOEFL iBT will remain the "gold standard," the TOEFL Essentials test is a more accessible and affordable option. At 1.5 hours instead of 3 hours in length, the new test offers a degree of convenience likely to appeal to a good number of students. ![TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL Essentials-1](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TOEFL%20iBT%20vs%20TOEFL%20Essentials-1.png?width=610&name=TOEFL%20iBT%20vs%20TOEFL%20Essentials-1.png) In addition to being shorter, the TOEFL Essentials test will be cheaper. It will cost between $100-$120, about **half the cost** of the TOEFL iBT test, which costs $225 in the U.S. (TOEFL fees vary by country.) Another major change is that **the TOEFL Essentials test will be an adaptive test**, meaning questions will adjust to the test-taker's skill level along the way. Though most colleges have yet to announce their testing preferences for college admissions decisions, it's likely that the TOEFL Essentials test will become a popular option for students going forward. To start your [TOEFL prep](https://www.arborbridge.com/toefl-prep/), contact us [here](https://www.arborbridge.com/contact-us/). #### **Need more individualized advice?** The recommendations above are general suggestions. If you have specific questions, [**reach out to our experts here**](https://www.arborbridge.com/contact-us/). We’re happy to help in any way we can. #### ***About ArborBridge*** *ArborBridge is the global leader in innovative, digital, one-on-one tutoring. With nearly a decade of experience teaching students online, ArborBridge supports students of all kinds: home schoolers, AP students, test preppers, and more. Our tutors specialize in creating personalized plans and in providing compassionate support for students and families.* - ![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/print.svg) - [![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/facebook.svg)](https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/facebook?linkurl=https://blog.arborbridge.com/toefl-essentials-new-shorter-less-costly-english-language-test%2F&linkname=) - [![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/twitter.svg)](https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/twitter?linkurl=https://blog.arborbridge.com/toefl-essentials-new-shorter-less-costly-english-language-test%2F&linkname=) - [![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/linkedin.svg)](https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/linkedin?linkurl=https://blog.arborbridge.com/toefl-essentials-new-shorter-less-costly-english-language-test%2F&linkname=) ![Erin Ohsie-Frauenhofer](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/Erin%20OF.jpeg) [![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/email.svg)](mailto:erin@arborbridge.com) #### About Erin Ohsie-Frauenhofer As one of the highest-performing tutors in ArborBridge’s history, Erin coaches tutors and develops tools and trainings to disrupt old habits and empower new strengths. With a Master of Arts in Teaching from Brown University, Erin worked as a classroom teacher and student services director prior to joining ArborBridge in 2017. Her decade of success as an educator has prepared her to ensure that programs are tailored to individual students’ needs. ## You also might like: [TOEFL Essentials: what’s on the new version of the TOEFL, and should I take it?](https://blog.arborbridge.com/toefl-essentials-whats-on-new-version-toefl-should-i-take-it) [TOEFL Essentials: the new test launches August 21](https://blog.arborbridge.com/toefl-essentials-new-test-launches-august-21) [Digital SAT: What will test day look like for students? Here's what we know.](https://blog.arborbridge.com/digital-sat-what-will-test-day-look-like-for-students-heres-what-we-know) [![footer-logo@2x](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/footer-logo@2x.png)](https://www.arborbridge.com/) 100 Main Street Suite #102 Port Washington, NY 11050 (917) 525-2548 info@arborbridge.com - [Our Tutoring Services](https://www.arborbridge.com/our-services/) - [Academic Support](https://www.arborbridge.com/academic-programs/) - [SAT](https://www.arborbridge.com/sat-programs/) - [ACT](https://www.arborbridge.com/act-programs/) - [AP & IB](https://www.arborbridge.com/ap-ib-programs/) - [ISEE & SSAT](https://www.arborbridge.com/isee-ssat-programs/) - [GRE & GMAT](https://www.arborbridge.com/gmat-gre-programs/) - [TOEFL](https://www.arborbridge.com/toefl-prep/) - [About ArborBridge](https://arborbridge.com/about/) - [Library](https://testprep.arborbridge.com/) - [Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/tutoring-pricing/) - [Contact Us](https://arborbridge.com/contact-us/) © 2026 ArborBridge, All rights reserved. - [Terms of Use](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/termsfeed-cookies-policy-pdf-english.pdf) - [Privacy Policy](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/privacy_policy.pdf)